To BF for colostrum then switch to FF...

[3timesascrazy]

Im pregnant with DC3 and the time has come to think about feeding,
DC1 was bottle fed from 2/3 days old as we struggled bfing, DC2 was successfully BF for nearly a year.

As much as I loved BFing, honestly, I felt trapped and the fear of feeling that way again is creeping already. I do however want to give baby the best start so thinking of possibly BFing for a few days then switching to formula, has any body decided to do this?
Technically this is what happened with DC1 but it wasn't planned and I felt very guilty about the decision (silly pushing midwife).

I know the pros of BF and very much believe in its importance and have taken all that into account, but what it comes down to for us as a family is what's best for our situation as a whole. Our 2 DC's are still toddlers so any help DP can give with number 3 is going to be very much appreciated.

I have also thought about mixed feeding for as long as I could - I'm not really sure how this works from birth or if its possible so any advice on that would be great too.

[NickyEds]

I think a lot of people do this op and, as you say it has to work for your whole family. I mix fed ds because of Tt, weight issues, generally tough start to bf. Dd is 11 weeks and I'm mix feeding her by choice. We ebf for 3-4 weeks then started to introduce a ff at 10/10.30, it took a week or two to get her to take it but now she's fine with it. I feel like my supply is reasonably settled so if I need to get out and leave dd for a couple of hours she can just have some f. I've found bf very convenient (and cheap this time as I have pump/bras/pillows left over) and that has been the main factor in carrying on, dd is an efficient feeder so I find it easier than fully ff but I like to know that she'll have f and a bottle.So far I can really recommend mix feeding.
why don't you plan to give colostrum and see how you feel at the time? You really shouldn't feel bad either way.

[3timesascrazy]

Thank you for responding.
The thought of faffy formula feeding all the time fills me with dread also so I think mixed feeding would be a good compromise if we can get the hang of it, I'm glad to hear your having a positive experience with it!

[CityDweller]

I think the longer you exclusively bf for the easier it is then to switch to mixed feeding, as your supply is more established/ settled. However, I also think there's a massive lack of advice about mixed feeding from birth - my friend wanted to do this and really struggled to find any advice on how to approach it or make it work. In the end I think she managed it for a few weeks and she was happy with that. As you say - you have to do what works for you and baby and family.

[nephrofox]

Mix feeding is a totally valid choice

However, have a think about what you want for the long term. If you're happy with a few weeks of mix feeding then switching to FF, then probably fine to do it from birth.

But if you want a more robust milk supply and ti BF longer, you would be better to establish supply for a couple of months first, then introduce a bottle at set times of the day (eg bed time), then your supply is likely to adjust ok

[thenewaveragebear1983]

I planned to do this with DC3, as I really struggled to BF my previous 2 and couldn't face the heartache again. However, he has taken to Bfing really well, much better than expected, despite Tongue tie, and is now 12 days old and exclusively breastfed. I think the fact that I've got all the kit for formula feeding in the cupboard and my perfect prep machine which I really want to play with has meant that despite it being difficult, I've not felt trapped by it. I'm just taking it one day at a time, as he has been cluster feeding every hour at night for the last few days! When DH goes back to work we are going to reassess whether we continue.
Plus, it's really nice to have a reason to sit and enjoy my new baby in the chaos of family life.